I need to let people know that I was extremely apprehensive about sending Bella for obedience and hunting training. This would last four to five months when Bella was nine months old.

We had our first dog trained by a different trainer. Our pet returned home unable to be around young children. When David insisted we look into Stonehearth, I was apprehensive to say the least. I said, "This is not going to happen in my lifetime!"

We went to Stonehearth, met you, and you spent two hours with us. You walked us through the expectations and the why's and answered our questions. At one point, you actually physically demonstrated to me how you would train Bella. I'm sure I was one of your poorer students. Apparently I passed because you accepted Bella into your program.

Bella came home the same nice dog that we had sent to you. We would never kennel her anywhere other than Stonehearth when the need arises. She greets you and all of your staff with her tail wagging, looking for the " Hi Bella" and the pat on the head that is sure to follow.

Dale, thank you so much for spending time with us and going the extra mile for someone who said, "This is not going to happen in my lifetime!"

P.S. Bella was 15-months-old when she competed in the 2002 Stonehearth Invitational. She captured third place out of 32 dogs.